Seoul/East

The neighborhoods of Dongdaemun (동대문), Jungnang (중랑), Gwangjin (광진) and Seongdong (성동) are in the east of the city of Seoul.

Travel to Seoul/East

By Rail

Several lines of the city's massive subway and commuter rail systems go to the eastern parts of the city including 1, 2, 5, 7 and the Gyeongui–Jungang and Gyeongchun lines.

Travel on a Bus in Seoul/East

Best way to travel in Seoul/East by a Taxi

From the centre of Seoul to eastern Seoul can cost any where from ₩8,000 to ₩15,000 (2022). Prices late at night can be cheaper as there are fewer cars on the road.

What to See

Bonghwasan - GPS 37.6085, 127.0873Jungnang A 160 m high mountain from where there are good views over the city. The mountain together with the surrounding park is popular place for short hikes. Also worth seeing is the Sasingak Shrine at the southern side of the mountain.
Seoul Forest - GPS 37.5437, 127.0394 Seongdong - Seoul's own Central Park, at the northern bank of Han. It's composed of five smaller parks and the culture & art park and the natural ecology forest and the natural hands-on experience learning garden and the ecological wetland garden and the Han river waterfront park as well as an outdoor stage and a big playground.
Geonguk University Museum - 93, Hwayang-dong 37.5425, 127.0736 Gwangjin - Free A museum with Korean historical artifacts. The major tourist attraction here is the Donggukjeongun, a set of six books from the 15th century describing how Chinese characters should be pronounced. These were the first such teaching books in Korea.
King Sejong Memorial Hall - 56, Hoegi-ro 37.5907, 127.0436 Dongdaemun - Memorial hall dedicated to the culturally most important king in Korean history.

Things to Do

Children's Grand Park - 어린이대공원 | 37.548, 127.081 Children's Grand PArk Metro station is close by ☎ +82 2-450-9311 | Opening Hours: 05:00-22:00 - Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu. The park was constructed after the decision of the City Planning Facility in 1971 and was opened on May 5, 1973. The park has a zoo, amusement facilities and restaurants. To get there, simply take the subway to Children's Grand Park on line 7. Avoid the weekends as it can get very crowded.,

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Seoul/East

Dongdaemun - 37.574500, 127.037870 An enormous fashion shopping neighborhood comprised of not one, not two, not ten, but no less than twenty four large department store-like buildings such as Doota, Migliore, and APM, each with anywhere from two to seventeen stories of trendy shops and stalls grouped together so clients can shop efficiently and save time. This market is of equal historical significance to Namdaemun market, with the obvious difference being Dongdaemun's modernity. Historically, Dongdaemun was a nightmarket, open from 1 am to 1 pm the following day; now it opens midday, but still remains active well into the early morning, with many shops finally closing around 08:00. Some stores are actually open for 24 hours. Come on Friday or Saturday night to see Dongdaemun at its most hectic, with huge crowds of thousands flooding the streets hunting for their next bargain. The energy is almost palpable.
Techno Mart (Gangbyeon) 546-4 Guui 3 (sam)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 37.535818, 127.095771 Next to Gangbyeon St. - There are two Techno Marts in Seoul: the original at Gangbyeon station, and the new store at Sindorim station. Both complexes house over 2,000 stores across eight floors that sell a variety of high-tech products. From electrical appliances to computers, you will find everything you need. The first floor has cosmetics, accessories, and stationeries. The second and third floors comprise Korean-made electrical goods, while the fourth and fifth floors sell foreign-made electrical appliances. The sixth floor sells cell phones and their accessories. Computers are sold on the seventh, and on the eighth music and DVDs. Aside from all the high-tech gadgetry and there are over a dozen restaurants on the 9th floor, and a cineplex and arcade on the 10th.

Masjids in Seoul

Seoul is home to a growing Muslim community, with several mosques and Islamic centers catering to the spiritual needs of Muslims living in or visiting the city. Here are some of the notable masjids in Seoul:

1. Seoul Central Mosque

Rating: 4.8 (4,120 reviews)
Location: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Itaewon
Opened: 1976

The Seoul Central Mosque is the oldest and most prominent mosque in South Korea, situated in Itaewon. It serves as a central hub for the Muslim community in Seoul, offering daily prayers, Friday sermons, and Islamic education. The mosque’s location in Itaewon makes it easily accessible and near many Halal restaurants. The modern architecture and significance of this mosque make it a key landmark for Muslims in the region.

2. Masjid Al-Falah, Seoul

Rating: 4.8 (43 reviews)
Location: 186-356 Singil-dong

Masjid Al-Falah is located in Singil-dong and is open 24 hours. It provides a peaceful place for Muslims to perform their prayers and is well-known for its quiet, spiritual ambiance. The masjid is smaller compared to Seoul Central Mosque but remains important to the local Muslim community.

3. Sinchon Masjid and Islamic Center

Rating: 4.6 (17 reviews)
Location: 20 Sinchon-ro 24an-gil

Located in the vibrant Sinchon area, this mosque is a convenient prayer space for Muslims, particularly those near the universities. It serves both as a masjid and an Islamic center, offering a variety of activities and services for Muslims in the area. It is also open 24 hours.

4. Masjid Noor Sejong University

Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
Location: 11 Dongil-ro 56-gil

This mosque is located near Sejong University and provides a space for Muslim students and staff to perform their prayers. It's also a quiet and serene place for local Muslims. The mosque operates 24 hours, catering to the needs of the community.

5. Sejong University Mosque

Rating: 4.9 (29 reviews)
Location: Gunja-dong, 111-1 103B

Another prayer space near Sejong University, this mosque is well-loved by the local community and provides prayer services throughout the day. It closes at 9:20 PM but offers a peaceful and welcoming environment for Muslims.

6. Yongsan Mosque

Location: 22-9 Hangangno 3(sam)-ga

Located in Yongsan, this mosque does not have many reviews but is an important prayer space for Muslims living or working in the Yongsan district. It offers daily prayers and Friday congregational prayers.

7. Masjid Al-Ikhlas Uijeongbu

Rating: 4.6 (55 reviews)
Location: 19 Simin-ro 132beon-gil, Uijeongbu

Located in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, Masjid Al-Ikhlas serves the Muslim community in the area and is open 24 hours. It is a well-maintained mosque, providing a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

Halal Restaurants in Seoul/East

Seoul is home to a growing number of Halal restaurants. Whether you're a local or a visitor looking for Halal-certified food, Seoul has various options to satisfy your cravings. Here’s a guide to some of the best Halal dining spots across the city:

1. Inamjang (Myeong-dong Branch)

Rating: 4.2/5 (431 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Korean
Location: 39 Myeongdong 9-gil
Hours: Open until 10 PM

Inamjang offers traditional Korean food in a cozy atmosphere. Located in the bustling Myeongdong area, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine.

2. Kampungku Restaurant

Rating: 4.3/5 (1,414 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: 16-4 Namsan-dong 2(i)-ga
Hours: Open until 9:30 PM

Kampungku specializes in Halal-certified food and is well-known for its delicious Malaysian and Indonesian dishes. Its warm and welcoming ambiance makes it an excellent choice for dining with family or friends.

3. HAJJ Korea Halal Food

Rating: 4.4/5 (357 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: Usadan-ro 10-gil, 39
Hours: Open until 11 PM

This restaurant, located near the famous Itaewon Mosque, offers a wide variety of Halal Korean dishes. While it doesn't offer delivery services, it provides a perfect dine-in experience for those exploring the Itaewon area.

4. EID Halal Korean Food (حلا)

Rating: 4.5/5 (956 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal, Korean
Location: 15 Usadan-ro 10-gil
Hours: Open until 9 PM

A staple in Itaewon, EID offers authentic Korean dishes prepared with Halal ingredients. This cozy restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to try traditional Korean food with a Halal twist.

5. Petra Restaurant

Rating: 4.6/5 (1,865 reviews)
Price: ₩20,000–30,000
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Location: 33 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil
Hours: Open until 9 PM

If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern cuisine, Petra Restaurant serves an array of Halal dishes including shawarma, falafel, and kebabs, all made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.

6. The Halal Guys

Rating: 4.2/5 (1,023 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: American Halal
Location: 187 Itaewon-ro
Hours: Open until 4 AM

The Halal Guys brings New York's famous street food to Seoul, offering their signature beef, chicken, and gyro platters with Halal-certified ingredients. Open until the early hours of the morning, it's a great spot for late-night cravings.

7. Yang Good Korean BBQ

Rating: 4.6/5 (1,202 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–30,000
Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Location: Nonhyeon-ro 95-gil, 15
Hours: Opens at 4 PM

Yang Good is famous for its Halal-certified lamb dishes and Korean BBQ. A favorite among meat lovers, this restaurant is perfect for a traditional Korean barbecue experience without compromising on Halal standards.

8. Halal Korean Restaurant (Home Cooked Meal Gim Soensaeng)

Rating: 4.9/5 (258 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: Itaewon-dong, 34-19
Hours: Closes at 2 PM, reopens at 3 PM

Known for its home-cooked meals, this quaint restaurant offers authentic Halal Korean dishes. Its intimate and traditional setting makes it a great spot for those looking to enjoy a homemade meal in the heart of Seoul.

9. Siti Sarah Korean Melayu & Egyptian Halal Food

Rating: 4.1/5 (409 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Malay, Egyptian
Location: Usadan-ro 10-gil, 7
Hours: Open until 2 AM

For a fusion of Malay and Egyptian flavors, Siti Sarah is an excellent choice. With late-night hours, it’s a perfect stop for night owls exploring Itaewon.

10. Nirvana Halal Indian Kitchen

Rating: 4.5/5 (360 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Indian
Location: 58 Insadong 8-gil, Gwanhun-dong
Hours: Closes at 2:30 PM, reopens at 5 PM

Nirvana offers a taste of India in Seoul, serving a wide variety of Halal Indian dishes from curries to naan. Located in the historic Insadong neighborhood, it’s an ideal stop after a day of sightseeing.

Muslim Friendly Hotels